The best way to visit the area is via Metro, as parking can be scarce in the neighborhood. Take the Green Line to U Street/Cardoza or if it’s a nice day, take a 20 minute walk from the Red Line’s Dupont Circle Station. A tour of Greater U Street reveals a myriad of restaurants — from Thai to seasonal organic cuisine and good ‘ole diner food. The area boasts some of Washington’s best contemporary art galleries, theater spaces and jazz clubs, while shopping includes home décor, antiques and eco-conscious offerings. Something new seems to open daily, so you’ll surely discover more along the way. Have fun!
GOOD EATS
COPPI’S ORGANIC
Specializing in seasonal Italian cuisine, Coppi’s serves fresh salads and house made pastas, and delicious pizza prepared in a wood-burning oven. Ingredients are organic and many locally-grown. Enjoy a cozy romantic atmosphere.
1414 U Street NW, (202) 319-7773
Hours: Open daily for dinner.
Rice
Rice is a sleek, hip and an anything but average Thai restaurant offering an authentic menu alongside healthy alternatives such as Rice-style pumpkin empanadas and green salad with peanut sauce. Try it once and you’ll have dreams about the papaya salad with fresh shrimp!
1608 14th Street NW, (202) 234-2400
www.ricerestaurant.com
Hours: lunch daily 11 am-2:30 pm; dinner 5-10 pm.
Health Bar
As the name suggests, Health Bar caters to the health-conscious diner. There are many vegetarian and vegan options, most with an Asian twist. Also on offer are salads, sandwiches and entrees such as grilled tuna and salmon, as well as an extensive smoothie menu. Located on the ground level of Results, The Gym, the restaurant’s décor is tranquil with a large bank of windows facing the street. On warm days, they are open wide — which makes for great people watching.
1612 U Street NW, (202) 588-9255.
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 am-12 am; Saturday & Sunday 8 am-10 pm.
Mocha Hut
This is the second location of this local coffee chain, which started up the street in Columbia Heights. Here you will find the usual coffee shop fare with an additional modest brunch menu. Savor the light, airy and absolutely delicious waffles! Also hosts music performances and poetry readings. Free wireless internet access.
1301 U Street NW, (202) 667-0616.
Busboys & Poets
This restaurant/bar/coffee shop with a bookstore and performance space offers a menu just as diverse. From fresh, tasty salads and vegetarian and vegan options to burgers, pizza and entrees such as catfish with corn cakes and crab cakes with grits – the offerings are high on taste and easy on the wallet. Don’t miss the desserts, which include a chocolate vegan layer cake and soy parfait. Free wireless internet access.
2021 14th Street NW, (202) 387-7638
www.busboysand
poets.com
Love Café
A spin off of Cake Love, a bakery located across the street, Love Café is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. The baked goods are divine, especially when washed down with a nice cup of tea or some strong coffee. For those with more restraint or just looking for a quick bite, Love Café offers a healthful selection of fresh salads and sandwiches. Free wireless internet access.
1501 U Street NW, (202) 265-9800
www.cakelove.com/lovecafe/lovecafe.html
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am-11 pm; Saturday 9 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-10 pm.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Since opening in 1958 Ben’s has been a neighborhood institution. Sample Ben’s famous Chili Half-Smoke, said to be Bill Cosby’s favorite, or if you want to keep on the straight and narrow, order up vegetarian chili or a veggie burger. Don’t miss the made-to-order creamy milk shakes. This isn’t the best dining option if you are watching your waistline, but with the lively diner atmosphere and a juke box filled with classic soul, a trip to Ben’s will leave you smiling.
1213 U Street NW, (202) 667-0909
www.benschilibowl.com
Hours: Monday – Thursday 6 am-2 am; Friday & Saturday 6 am-4 am; Sunday 3 - 8 pm.
Viridian
Viridian serves fresh seasonal American cuisine in a contemporary loft-like space. Simple cooking techniques bring out the best of each ingredient, especially when paired one of the artisan wines on the list. The restaurant also features changing exhibitions curated by co-owner Giorgio Furioso co-founder of the Washington Arts Museum.
1515 14th Street NW, (202) 234-1400
www.viridianrestaurant.com
Hours: Lunch, Tuesday – Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Dinner, Tuesday – Saturday 5 pm-11 pm, Sunday 4:30 pm-10 pm; Brunch, Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.
HOME & GARDEN
Candida’s World of Books
Catering to the intrepid traveler, Candida’s World of Books carries guides, maps, travel accessories and language-learning aids, as well as foreign language children’s books, globes and wall maps. For the armchair traveler there are cookbooks featuring cuisines from around the world.
1541 14th Street NW, (202) 667-4811
www.candidasworldofbooks.com
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am - 10 pm; Sunday noon- 8 pm; closed Monday.
Dragonfly Design Décor
The newly opened Dragonfly is housed in a former auto repair shop complete with rolling garage doors. Owner Kim Hessler, who has been buying in Asia for 15 years, hand selects the eclectic mix of pieces which include Tibetan painted chests and rugs, Chinese armoires, textiles, Burmese lacquer ware and statuary. On the second Friday of the month, from 6 to 8 pm, Dragonfly hosts tea tastings with tea importer Brian Wright of Shansui
Teas, which specializes in Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese varieties.
1457 Church Street NW, (202) 265-DFLY
www.dragonflydd.com
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11 am-6 pm; Sunday noon-5 pm.
Future Green
Billed as an eco-friendly home and family center, Future Green carries a wide selection of organically grown, non-toxic, recycled and fair trade products, from cosmetics to chocolate and everything in between, including organically grown cotton bedding, children’s toys, musical instruments, clothing, and non-toxic household items such as soy paint stripper. Future Green is also a source for sustainable and non-toxic products for building and remodeling projects, including flooring and paints.
1459 Church Street NW, (202) 234-7110
www.futuregreen.net
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am-7 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm.
Garden District
A small garden center catering to the urban gardener — perennials, annuals and gardening tools scaled for containers and small gardens. Garden District carries organically grown herbs, organic fertilizers, pesticides and insect repellents and an array of stylish imported planters.
1801 14th Street NW, (202) 797-9005
www.gardendistrict.biz
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am-8 pm (until mid-June, 9 am-7 pm after that); Sunday 10 am - 5 pm.
HomeGrown Creations
The newly opened HomeGrown Creations, LLC is a cooperative art space and store featuring work exclusively by DC-based artists, as well as jewelry and other eclectic offerings. HomeGrown Creations offers classes, readings and performances, and the unique “Blabfest,” a cross between an open mic and a salon-style discussion every Friday evening at 7 pm.
1514 U Street NW, (202) 234-8020
Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday 1 pm-6:30 pm. Wednesday – Saturday 12:30 pm-7 pm; Sunday noon-6 pm.
Home Rule
Home Rule carries a mix of funky and functional items for the home. The shoebox sized store is stocked to the gills with everything from shower curtains, wastepaper baskets, kitchen tools and towels, to plates, cups, placemats, bath soap and clocks.
1807 14th Street NW, (202) 797-5544
www.homerule.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am-7 pm; Sunday 12-5 pm.
Habitat Home Accents & Jewelry
Habitat stocks a wide selection of stylish and bold contemporary jewelry designed by Gustavo Dinucci. Many pieces are adorned with eye-catching gemstones, including crystals and pearls. There is also minimalist furniture and home accents with flair, including lamps and mirrors. Don’t miss the retro-style platters and serving sets.
1510 U Street NW, (202) 518-7222
Hours: Thursday – Sunday noon-6 pm.
100% Mexico
This modest storefront carries a wide selection of colorful Mexican folk art, home décor and jewelry. From Day of the Dead figurines to hand-blown Mexican glass, you’ll find much to love from south of the border.
1612 14th Street NW, (202) 332-2888
www.100mexico.net
Hours: Tuesday – Friday noon-7 pm; Saturday 11 am-7 pm; Sunday noon-6 pm; closed Monday.
moojoo ken
The name of this small boutique comes from a Japanese word meaning “unconditional.” Featuring fashion-forward jewelry, accessories, and other essentials, moojoo ken offers unusual and luxurious items at great prices. From the imported Italian clothing, to funky business card holders, handbags, and candles, you will surely find something worthy of your unconditional love.
1512 U Street NW, (202) 234-3040.
FOR EYES & EARS
The Greater U Street area is home to a diverse array of cultural attractions—from theater spaces to jazz clubs, and art galleries. Here are a few to sample:
HR 57
One of Washington’s best kept secrets, HR 57 is a great place to hear live jazz in a laid-back atmosphere. Entrance fees are minimal and they serve up some tasty Southern fare. Bring your own bottle of red and check it out!
1610 14th Street NW, (202) 667-3700
www.hr57.org
Hours: 8 pm-midnight; Friday – Sunday 9 pm-1am.
Twins Lounge
A straight-ahead club, Twins Jazz is one of the Washington’s best jazz venues showcasing “avant-garde artists, minor legends and the best of the local jazz scene.” Founded by Ethiopian twin sisters, Twins also serves American, Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine.
1344 U. St. NW, (202) 234-0072
www.twinsjazz.com
Hours: shows begin Tuesday – Thursday at 8pm; Friday & Saturday shows at 9 pm and 11 pm.
Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre was built in 1922 and restored to its original splendor in 1994. Check here for film festivals, theatre and dance performances and live music, including the Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra.
On U Street, NW between 12th and 13th Streets. Tickets are sold through TicketMaster at (202) 397-SEAT. For schedule, visit www.thelincolntheatre.org.
Studio Theatre
One of Washington’s premiere contemporary theatre companies, presenting plays nearly year round.
1501 14th Street NW, (202) 332-3300
www.studiotheatre.org
GALLERY SCENE
The Greater U Street area is quickly becoming a destination for viewing contemporary art in Washington. There are several
galleries in the building located at 1515 14th Street, NW and others within walking distance:
Adamson Gallery
1515 14th Street NW, Suite 202
(202) 232-0707
www.adamsongallery.com
Curators Office
1515 14th Street NW, Suite 201
(202) 387-1008
www.curatorsoffice.com
G Fine Art
1515 14th Street NW, Suite 200
(202) 462-1601
www.gfineartdc.com
Hemphill
1515 14th Street NW, Suite 300
(202) 234-5601
www.hemphillfinearts.com
Plan B
1530 14th Street NW
(202) 234-2711
www.galleryplanb.com
Transformer
1404 P Street NW
(202) 483-1102
www.transformergallery.org
WELLBEING
Boundless Yoga
Offers all levels of yoga, as well as meditation. Boundless also has weekly ayurvedic and homeopathy talks.
1522 U Street NW, (202) 234-9642
www.boundlessyoga.com
Flow
Offering a variety of yoga styles, including Ashtanga and Jivamukti Yoga, as well as Afro-Brazilian dance, belly dance and meditation. There is also a “Budding Yogini’s” class for children aged 3-5.
1450 P Street NW, (202) 462-FLOW
www.flowyogacenter.com
Inspired Yoga
In addition to traditional yoga classes, Inspired Yoga offers belly dance, yoga for runners and candlelight yoga.
1115 U Street, NW, (202) 462-1800
www.18thandyoga.com
Tulsi Holistic Living, LLC
A natural health center offering a full range of holistic health services and products — from acupuncture, naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine consultations, to reiki and energy healing. Tulsi Holistic Living also offers professional development courses in a variety of holistic health fields, which are open to practitioners as well as anyone interested in learning about holistic health practices.
1642 R Street NW, (202) 332-3501
www.tulsiliving.com
